Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

brain-cells line up in good order and I remember where

but when I listen,

a good look at my Sleeping Beauty. She’s

Her father…

Christ…

her cheeks are brushed with

Babe…

stroke over the line of high cheekbones with a

I see Charlotte… my Charlotte…there. Not the stranger who looked out at me for the last few days, but my beautiful

reaching to touch me,

face,

are soft and watery. “I’m fine.

to her lips. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. I don’t think any of us would have reacted well to learning what you did.” Tracing a curved brow with the pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us down. There's

her gaze, she bobs

better state than that if you really want to get yourself pregnant.” Her eyes lift again, widening. “Do you? That’s still what you want? To give

Her voice is a whisper. “Is that

when we talked about it. It’s fine. Just so long as I know. I’ll help

Her hand curves around the back of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the crook of neck

you too. We both did.” I pull away, holding her gaze. “But I never went away. I never will go away…” She sighs. “And yes, I’ve been looking forward to being back in our own bed too. We’ll sleep there tonight.

creases. “You mean

I share a bed when you’re not in it with us? He might

chuckle. “Sorry to disappoint you there.” James

she sits bolt upright.

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago